Guadalupe River swells past limits, forces emergency evacuations in Kerr County

Kerrville, a town in Kerr County, Texas, is facing a serious flood emergency. The flooding began when the Guadalupe River overflowed due to heavy rain. As a result, people living in the area are being evacuated for their safety.

The City of Kerrville has declared a disaster. This means local authorities know the situation is very dangerous and are asking for extra help to keep people safe.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said this is a “catastrophic flooding event.” They sent out an emergency alert on Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. It warned everyone near the Guadalupe River to leave immediately and move to higher ground.

Another alert came out at 9 a.m., saying more rain was expected. By then, between 5 and 11 inches of rain had already fallen in some places. More rain—about 1 to 2 inches—was likely to fall soon.

The areas listed in the warning included:

• Kerrville

• Ingram

• Hunt

• Waltonia

• Kerr Wildlife Management Area

• Lost Maples State Natural Area

These areas were already experiencing flash floods, and officials said the water could rise even more.

Roads underwater

Many roads and low-lying areas in Kerrville are now under water. People are being told not to drive or go near these flooded areas. The main roads affected are:

• Arcadia Loop

• Thompson Drive (most of it)

• Guadalupe Street

• Lowry Street

• Herzog and Loop 13

• Rio Robles

• Riverside Drive

• Parts of Broadway

Officials said water levels are rising quickly and some places that looked safe earlier are now flooded. Flash floods can come without much warning, so everyone is advised to stay alert.

People should also avoid crossing bridges or streets covered with water, even if the water seems shallow. Just a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep away vehicles or people.

Deaths and evacuations

Sadly, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has confirmed that people have died due to the flooding. The exact number of fatalities has not been released yet. Officials are waiting to inform the families of the victims first.

In a statement, the KCSO said, “This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified.”

They also said that the situation is very serious across the entire county. Emergency services are busy helping people and managing rescue efforts. Residents have been told to shelter in place if they cannot evacuate safely.

“If you are near creeks, streams, or the Guadalupe River, move to higher ground immediately,” the sheriff’s office said.

Emergency crews are now working on State Highway 39 near Hunt, where many people are still trapped or at risk. Boats and helicopters are being used to rescue those in danger.

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Help and shelter

To help those affected, the City of Kerrville has opened an emergency shelter. It is located at First United Methodist Church. People who had to leave their homes can stay there and get basic necessities like food, water, and blankets.

Volunteers and emergency workers are helping families at the shelter. Many people have lost their homes or cannot return because of the floodwaters. Some have lost power or do not have clean drinking water.

Authorities are asking residents not to go outside unless it’s an emergency. It is safer to stay indoors and wait for instructions from local officials. If someone needs help or rescue, they should call emergency numbers and not try to leave on their own.

People living in other parts of Texas are also being asked to check on family and friends in Kerr County.

Social media and news outlets are sharing updated information on safe routes, shelter options, and weather warnings. Residents are urged to follow only official sources to avoid confusion and false information.

What happens next?

The situation in Kerrville is still dangerous. More rain could cause rivers to rise again, making things worse. Officials are closely watching the weather and river levels.

Flood damage is already visible. Roads are broken, cars are stuck, and water has entered homes and buildings. It will take days or even weeks to fully understand how much damage has been done.

Authorities are also investigating whether dams and drainage systems worked properly or failed during the heavy rain.

Texas Governor and emergency agencies may send more support depending on how the situation develops. Extra police, medical teams, and equipment might be sent to Kerrville if the flooding continues.

For now, people are asked to listen to emergency alerts, avoid risky travel, and help each other safely. The entire community is coming together to manage this difficult time.

Kerrville and nearby areas in Kerr County are dealing with a severe flood disaster. With many roads flooded, evacuations underway, and lives lost, the town is facing one of its worst emergencies in recent years.

Emergency teams are working hard to rescue people and provide shelter. Residents should stay updated through local news and officials. Moving to higher ground and avoiding floodwaters is the best way to stay safe.

As the rain continues, the hope is that no more lives are lost and people can begin to rebuild their lives soon.